Dorset Storm Under 16s were keen to get back on the court following last weeks cancelled game against Bristol. Storm entered the first game in a double header weekend against a Somerset side that going on the last meeting between the sides would provide a stiff test. Storm again didn’t have the luxury of a full squad to choose from but, with the selection made, felt confident that they had most bases covered.

Storm opened the game with Christian Farah, Bradley Bennett and Tom Storey on the back court, whilst Lewis Old was joined by Alex Kapuscinski in the front court. Storm started off well, forcing their opponents into tough contested shots. A couple of early misses were quickly forgotten as great defensive pressure from Bennett, Farah and Storey was cleaned up by Kapuscinski and Old on the boards to help Storm set the tone early. It wasn’t long before a smooth move inside by Old got Storm off and running offensively. Kapuscinski added a basket before Storey and three triples – two from Farah and one from Bennett – helped Storm take a 17 – 0 lead. Such was Storms defensive intensity that they only way Taunton could get a look at the basket was from the free throw line, the first six Taunton points all came that way. Scores from Jordan James and Lewis Pettitt kept Storm ticking over as they lead 22 – 8 at the end of quarter one.

Storm were clearly buzzing from their great defensive work, and that continued at the start of the second quarter as they opened with an 11 – 0 run. Scores from Daniel Riggs, Adriel Maranan and Storey took care of things at the offensive end, while Storm continued with the pressure at the defensive end too. Eight assists during the quarter showed Storms unselfish play, as good ball movement but the willingness to attack too, was key in their success. Old, Pettitt and James all added further scores during the middle part of the period to keep Storm ticking over. Taunton found their rhythm in the latter part of the quarter, as a 2 – 5 run was enough for Storm to call a timeout. Back-to-back baskets from Michael Hester out of the timeout saw Storm head into the half time break with a 54 – 15 lead.

Storm had a comparatively slower start to the second half, managing to score only six points in the opening four minutes. The key thing to note was that despite this, Taunton only managed two baskets of their own as Storm kept their tenacious defensive effort up. A basket from Storey out of a Storm timeout got the home side going again and Pettitt scored seven on the row, to give Storm the momentum once again. Storm managed to give a few minutes to Charlie Harland, as Hester ensured that Storm finished the quarter well, and took a 75 – 23 advantage into the final quarter.

Old and Farah both scored early in the final period, as Bennett and Storey continued to force turnovers at the defensive end. Great defence continued to be the key for Storm, as a couple of big blocks from Hester and Kapuscinski underlined Storms dominance and, more importantly, their effort and intensity, at the defensive end. Eight different players scored for Storm in the final quarter as they ran out 98 – 28 victors.

Assistant coach Jill Kemish was understandably pleased after the game:

“We played at the level we know we’re capable of today. We believe we are one of the most improved teams in the league, and today shows why. Offensively we played as a team, moving the ball but also showed the willingness to attack and penetrate into the heart of the defence.

The most important part though was the intensity, concentration and enthusiasm that we showed at the defensive end. We were consistent and relentless for 40 minutes today. We have to keep that up!”

For Storm there were five players in double figures, with Kapuscinski and Pettitt leading the way with 17. Good defence from every player on the court was then cleaned up well as 10 rebounds from Farah, nine from Kapuscinski and eight from Riggs helped ensure Taunton only got one shot each time down the floor. Whilst 27 assists sums up the total team performance from Storm who will look to keep their momentum going in Sundays home game against Torbay Tigers. Tip-off is at 2.15pm, so why not come down and support the players at Rossmore if you’re free!

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About Us

Since 1999 Dorset Storm Basketball Club has provided opportunities for both boys and girls aged between 8 and 18 to play basketball at whatever level they want. From beginners through to those with dreams of representing England, Dorset Storm can cater for you. The club also has one of the biggest men’s and ladies team in the Southern Region, providing opportunities for players of all standards to play competitively. Coaching and officiating courses are also run in conjunction with the club. For further details on anything concerning basketball please do not hesitate to contact us.

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